According to the Soap and Detergent Association, man has used soap since at least 2800 B.C. The first liquid hand soaps appeared in the 1970s. Lotion is a somewhat newer concept, though naturally derived products such as oils and bear fat were widely used as moisturizers as recently as the 19th century. Today, consumers can choose from thousands of soaps and lotions in a variety of scents, colors and formulations.
Traditional Soaps
Hand soap is available in solid bar or liquid forms. Some liquid types are packaged in a special container that creates a foaming action when the pump is pressed. These soaps remove dirt and germs from hands by creating a slick surface. When you rinse your hands, the contaminants slide off.
Hand soaps come in a dozens of different scents. You can even choose a colored hand soap to coordinate with your bathroom or kitchen décor.
Moisturizing Soaps
Because soaps strip the natural moisturizing oils from the skin, many people find them drying. In response, most soap manufacturers carry at least one moisturizing hand soap formula in their product line. These soaps contain ingredients such as glycerin that help lock moisture into the skin.
Antibacterial Soaps
In recent years, consumers have become increasingly concerned about the spread of viral and bacterial germs. Antibacterial soaps are now popular, especially in high-risk areas such as schools and hospitals. These hand soaps contain alcohol or other germicidal ingredients to kill germs and contaminants that regular soaps leave behind.
Artisan Soaps
Soap-making is a popular hobby and has long been a form of cottage industry. These types of soaps are made in small batches, often by a novice, though some large-scale operations produce artisan soaps. Artisan soaps are often made from coconut or olive oil.
Castile soap, made from goat's milk, is an artisan soap purported to be among the gentlest soaps available. It is often recommended for children and those with very sensitive skin.
Hand Lotions
Hand lotion provides a temporary moisturizing effect by depositing an ingredient such as glycerin or lanolin on the skin. The active ingredient helps lock existing moisture into the skin, preventing it from evaporating into the air.
Hand lotion is available in a wide variety of formulas and scents. People with sensitive skin may find fragranced lotions too harsh, as the scent is often alcohol-based.
Specialty Moisturizers
Regular hand lotions are not effective on all skin types. People with severe dry skin may need specialized hand soap containing a chemical exfoliant such as alpha hydroxyl acid. The exfoliant dissolves dead skin cells on the surface, revealing a layer of healthy new skin.
Hand creams are heavier than lotions and contain a higher concentration of moisturizing ingredients. These products are most effective when applied before bed, then covered with cotton gloves. This allows the moisturizing agents to penetrate the skin without evaporating.
Member Comments